Reopening the Gym with Airdri
Real people talk to us about their challenges post-lockdown
Chris Mason Performance
CMP Gyms – Sheffield
Owner – Chris Mason
For the many who relied on their daily gym fix, life in lockdown was an incomprehensible change to their general routine. The fitness world turned to online exercise classes, outdoor aerobics, garden workouts, power walking and cycling, with an added raft of imaginative fitness ideas hitting the social media scene.
Fortunately, many gyms have now reopened, although they have to adhere to strict guidelines as part of new customer safety regulations, in line with government guidelines.
Chris Mason specialises in helping busy professionals and body-conscious clients recondition their bodies in Sheffield’s number one, private gym, CMP Gyms. This is not just your average port of call for general fitness, Chris also specialises in fat loss, muscle building, and body transformations, working with his clients on a one-to-one basis.
“Naturally, the gym had to close,” says Chris. “My entire operation came to a complete standstill as part of the strict lockdown rules back in late March this year.
“During the lockdown, we continued to communicate with our clients on a weekly basis as they were not only reliant on an exercise regime but their complete diet, health, and fitness body plan also needed to be maintained.
“After months of closure, without any clear indication of when the gym might reopen, we began to offer online, personal one-to-one training to any of our clients who wanted it.
“In preparation for our clients’ return, we undertook a full COVID-19 risk assessment and received approval to resume operations from the local authority. This clarity brought confidence for both me and my staff as well as allowed us to reopen our doors to our clients in a ‘COVID secure’ site.
“It was imperative we had clear communication for the staff and the customers and critical they complied with the new safety measures before, after, and during physical activity. We advised every one of the guidelines when visiting the premises prior to the point of arrival.
“For practicality, we reduced the number of clients visiting the facility as well as adjusting the staff rota and a strict ruling of no waiting inside the building before or after a session was put into place.
“Temperature checks are made upon entering the facility, clients are expected to remove outdoor footwear and bring a separate pair of trainers to change into upon arrival. They must also wash their hands for at least 20 seconds in hot soapy water or with a hand sanitiser when they enter and leave the facility.
“Andy Ramshaw from The Digital Line (TDL) installed Airdri SteraSpace in the facility, which has been an outstanding addition, operating on a 24/7 basis, killing harmful bacteria and viruses that may be airborne and on surfaces. This has added an additional layer of protection and confidence to staff and clients.
“Having used the purifiers for a number of weeks I can highly recommend their performance. They are easy to maintain, and silent to run and I suggest anyone should grab hold of one where ventilation is a priority.
“We have gone to great lengths to minimise contact with surfaces. Showers are not available for use and clients must arrive in their workout kit to eliminate the use of the changing facilities.
“Bookings are completed through online channels, avoiding the contact of unnecessary paperwork. Contactless payments have become the only mechanism to satisfy transactions onsite and social distancing and hygiene measures are now all mandatory in the “new normal” of 21st-century life.
“My business is all about people, getting them fit and keeping them healthy and I believe that Covid-19 has brought with it another layer of responsibility to maintain the ongoing health and safety of our clients and community.”
Who can use the Airdri SteraSpace?
- Suitable for areas of continuous occupation
- Ideal for gyms, sports arenas, sports halls, waiting rooms, beauty salons, café, and other hospitality use.
Benefits of fitting an Airdri SteraSpace:
- Kills harmful viruses and bacteria in the air and on all exposed surfaces 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Circulates fresh clean air
- Breaks down unwanted bacteria
- Attacks odours at their source
- Removes unhealthy microbes from the air
- Makes every room smell freshly cleaned
- Maintains sanitised surfaces
- Stops mould and fungi growth
Tags: Chris Mason Performance, CMP Gyms, Sheffield